General Education

General education at Columbia College is an essential part of every studentˇs
program of study. General education explores and promotes understanding of the
interrelationship among the liberal arts and sciences including the arts, history,
humanities, mathematics, and the natural, social and behavioral, and computer sciences.
General education provides a foundation for the student to pursue lifelong learning and
involved citizenship in the human community.

These studies broaden and deepen understanding of the world through free and critical
inquiry. A general education encourages creativity and the discovery, acquisition, and
application of knowledge in the pursuit of excellence.

Arts

The study of the arts examines the ways in which individuals have expressed
themselves creatively. Critical appreciation for content and form enriches how one
perceives and articulates experience.

History

The study of history provides knowledge about the past and enriches cultural
understanding. Understanding people, places and events through time informs a sense of
continuity and change.

Humanities

Through the humanities, students develop rigorous thinking about, understanding of
and appreciation for significant forms of human communication and expression. English,
foreign language, communication, music, philosophy, and religious studies expands
studentsˇ awareness of the world around them, past and present. The humanities offer
students a basis for understanding the human condition and human experience of values,
beliefs and intellectual endeavors.

Mathematics

The study of mathematics develops facility for critical thought, introduces a
universal language that is the foundation for multiple disciplines and encourages
clarity and succinctness of expression.

Natural Sciences

Natural sciences link experiment and observation with the practices of mathematics
for the interpretation of natural phenomena. Through general introductions and
laboratory experiences in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology and physics, the
achievements of these disciplines foster an awareness and understanding of the world and
universe in which the individual lives.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

The study of the social and behavioral sciences includes the fields of economics,
geography, political science, psychology, anthropology, and sociology. These disciplines
present contemporary methodological and conceptual models for assessing, constructing,
maintaining and altering individual and social processes.

Computer Science

The study of computer science exposes students to technology that is increasingly
part of the human experience. The interconnectedness of the world necessitates informed
consideration of computer use and an understanding of its capabilities and limitations.

At Columbia College teaching and learning come together to create diverse educational
experiences, opportunities for responsible reflection, intellectual growth, intensive
writing, critical thinking and cultural awareness. Taken together these attributes help
define a Columbia College student.

Basic Studies

Basic studies courses serve the student by supplying critical-thinking skills,
knowledge and techniques that enhance and enrich subsequent coursework. They provide
necessary preparation for success in whatever area of study the student chooses.
Students must:

complete all basic studies courses in the first 60 hours; and

be continuously enrolled in an English composition or math course until ENGL 112 and
MATH 150 or higher level math course have been successfully completed.

CISS 170

Intro. to Computer Info. Systems

COMM 110

Introduction to Speech

ENGL 112

English Composition II

MATH

College Algebra, MATH 150 or higher level math
course

12 hrs

Introductory Studies

Introductory studies provide the student a varied and rich learning experience that
is the essence of a liberal arts and sciences education. These courses provide a
foundation for advanced studies regardless of major. Students who begin their studies at
Columbia College or who transfer to Columbia College with 36 or fewer hours from other
institutions will complete the preferred program of study. Students who transfer to
Columbia College with more than 36 hours at the time of initial transfer may elect to
pursue either the preferred program of study or the optional program of study. Students
who complete the preferred program will have that accomplishment noted on their
transcripts, ŔIn partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, this student
completed a classical program of general education study.”

Students must fulfill requirements for ENGL 111 and ENGL 112 by the time they have
completed 60 semester hours of course work with Columbia College. Full-time day students
must enroll in the appropriate English course (ENGL 107, 111, or 112) each semester
until they have completed the requirement with grades of C or better. Withdrawal of
full-time students from any English composition course may be initiated only by the
instructor. (Note: Withdrawal policy does not apply to evening students.)

Entering full-time students with no transfer credit in English composition write a
diagnostic essay that is scored by the English faculty to determine placement in ENGL
107 Developmental English Composition; ENGL 111 English Composition I; or ENGL 112
English Composition II. Students placed in ENGL 112 who successfully complete the course
on their first attempt with a grade of C or higher receive six hours of English
composition credit.

If students enroll at Columbia College with more than 30 semester hours of approved
transfer credit but have not yet earned credit for ENGL 111 or ENGL 112, they must
fulfill requirements and receive credit for these two courses during the next 24
semester hours of course work.

If full-time students fail to meet the English composition requirement, they will not
be permitted to enroll in any other Columbia College course unless, at the same time,
they are enrolled in or complete credit for ENGL 111 or ENGL 112, as appropriate.

The chair of the Humanities Department may recommend that the Vice President and Dean
for Academic Affairs issue waivers or grant other relief from this policy when students
are judged unable to meet the English composition requirements due to extenuating
circumstances.

The Computer and Mathematical Sciences Department offers an exam for those students
who believe that prior experience or education has provided them with a body of
knowledge equivalent to that obtained from CISS 170 Introduction to Computer Information
Systems. The exam consists of three parts:

General Computer Knowledge

Demonstration of Basic Word Processing Skills

Demonstration of Basic Spreadsheet Skills

The exam requires students to be familiar with and use Windows 2000 and Microsoft
Office 2000.

The two hour exam requires that time be scheduled on a computer and must be
proctored. Students wishing to take the test should, after making appropriate
application, contact the Chair of the Computer and Mathematical Sciences Department to
schedule a time and date for testing. A $300 fee will be assessed. Students passing the
exam receive 3 semester hours of credit for CISS 170.